Field Trips

2015 Wine and War Tour: Shenandoah ValleyAre you a fan of Stonewall Jackson?Did you ever want to walk the terrain of his Shenandoah Valley Campaign?Well wait no longer history enthusiasts and join the Saber and Scroll Club for a Wine and War Tour in the Shenandoah Valley. After our successful Gettysburg and Antietam Battlefield Tour, we realized that history is not limited to the battlefields but also encompasses the culture and people (not to mention that we enjoyed socializing as much as we enjoyed discussing history). In honor of our discovery we decided to combine history with socializing into a Wine and War Tour that mixes history with the grape as we tour some of the battlefields of northern Virginia and sample some tasty wines from the local vineyards.The tour begins with a no host reception in Winchester on 25 September where you will get the opportunity to meet some of your illustrious elected officials, share in tales of academic accomplishments, and enjoy a tasty adult beverage or two. The next morning, we will check out from our hotel and travel to the First Battle of Kernstown where Stonewall Jackson began his Valley Campaign in 1862. After Kernstown, we will travel approximately 30 miles to the Naked Mountain Winery in Markham, VA. After sampling a bit of the grape, we shall continue south towards Harrisonburg, VA (we may travel along skyline drive to get there, we are still working out the details on that part). Once, we arrive in Harrisonburg, we shall check into our hotel and enjoy another evening of tales, victuals, and spirits. While we may not solve all of the world’s problems, we certainly will endeavor to enjoy one another’s company and get our nerd on with history.On the morning of the 27th, Lew will lead us over to the electric map of Stonewall Jackson’s Shenandoah Valley campaign. After the map, we will travel to another battlefield and then close out the trip with one more (wait for it) WINERY! Who ever said that history is boring? Yes, students of history we finally created the perfect amalgamation of history, fermented grapes, and like-minded individuals all into one convenient package that offers something for everyone. So, if you enjoy history, want to learn more about the civil war, want to know if Lew really is as tall as looks in the photos, or just like a splendid glass of wine, then please join us for the Saber and Scroll 2015 Wine and War Tour. We will post registration details and lodging arrangements as we firm up the locations and costs. Help us save history and promote friendship, one sip and one battlefield at a time!